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Disaster Relief for Texas: How We Can Help

This Sunday we will take up a special offering for disaster relief in Houston and other cities in Texas. As usual we will work through Christian Relief Fund – CRF. 100% of the money given will go directly to our neighbors in Houston for relief. I have been in communication with Milt (CEO of CRF) and they are partnering with an local agency to coordinate and insure adequate distribution and allocation of resources. As experts well practiced in bringing relief to disasters both domestic and abroad in over 20 countries, I am confident they will do an excellent job.

As of yesterday, CRF had volunteers on the ground in Portland Texas where 20,000 residents were affected. Their volunteers are on the ground providing much-needed clean water, serving hot meals (up to 4,000 per day!), providing beds and supplies for local shelters, and offering free shower facilities. As the situation in Portland begins to shift toward rebuilding, they will provide tools and volunteer support to local residents looking to repair their homes and rebuild their live

Please begin discerning what you’re able to give this Sunday.

We are also exploring what it involves to send more boots on the ground to join the CRF volunteers to serve Houston. We will talk more about this Sunday.

In the meantime please continue to pray. The trauma many have experienced will be be a barrier no amount of money will overcome. At first there will be shock trauma brought about by the event. Then there will be cumulative trauma brought about by an unfolding of circumstances and anxiety-producing barriers to their recovery. The cumulative trauma can lead to depression, and for some, PTSD. It has the potential to be a debilitating force.

Let’s pray for their healing. Let’s pray for the shalom of God to overwhelm the hopelessness and confusion. Let’s pray for the Church to rise up with self-giving love expressed through hospitality, generosity, and compassion, and a willingness to put our hands to work on their behalf. Let’s pray so we can discern if we, any of us in WCC, are to be answer to these prayers. I’m sure in many ways we will be.